The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical Urtica dioica cataplasm in managing knee pain and functional limitations in athletic children diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Efficacy will be assessed through changes in knee pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional outcomes using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Three groups will be tested: * UDC Group: topical application of Urtica dioica cataplasm * Standard Care Group: oral vitamin D supplementation and physical rest * Placebo Group: topical application of a placebo cataplasm using Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
90
Participants will receive a warm Urtica dioica cataplasm applied topically on the affected knee, once daily for 60 minutes, three times per week (on alternate days) over a 6-week period.
Participants will receive a placebo cataplasm, matched in texture, color, and odor to the active treatment. The placebo is inert and safe for pediatric topical use.
Participants will receive oral vitamin D.
Reduction in physical activity based on orthopedic advice.
Pain intensity
measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm line anchored by "no pain" (0) and "worst imaginable pain" (10). VAS scores will be recorded at each clinical visit during the intervention period.
Time frame: At each clinical visit during the intervention period (three times a week during 6 weeks).
Functional knee status
assessed using the KOOS-Child questionnaire, covering five subscales (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sport/recreation function, and knee-related quality of life). Scores range from 0 (extreme dysfunction) to 100 (no symptoms).
Time frame: Assessments will be done at baseline and after 6 weeks.
Return to sport
defined as the number of days post-treatment needed to resume regular athletic activity.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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